Nevada Northern Railway #81

#81 was constructed to the 2-8-0 wheel type, which were nicknamed “Consolidations”. These locomotives have a two-wheel leading truck up front, eight driving wheels, and no trailing wheels. The Consolidation-type was very popular on the Nevada Northern, as eleven of the type were rostered on the railroad.

By 1916, traffic on the Nevada Northern had increased to a point that the railroad needed a new locomotive to handle freight traffic between East Ely MP 139.1 and the interchanges at Cobre MP 0 (Southern Pacific) and Shafter MP 18 (Western Pacific).

Proposals were submitted to American Locomotive Works, Baldwin Locomotive Works, and Lima Locomotive Works. Ultimately, Baldwin was chosen. Ordered for $23,700 ($647,971.05 in 2022), #81 departed the factory March 1917. This would be the last steam locomotive ordered by the Nevada Northern.

Put into freight service on May 19, 1917, she was quickly found to be exactly what management wanted and placed on most of the Main Line Freight trips, though like all Nevada Northern engines could be assigned to Ore trains and the occasional passenger trains.

In 1939, a stoker was added to the locomotive despite the railroad having a waiver from the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). In 1940, #81 also received a new cylinder saddle.

In June 1951, Kennecott Copper Co. RSD-4 #201 arrived and was trialed on the Main Line Freight trains. #201 proved to be very reliable, placing #81 into backup service the next month. #81 was ultimately replaced by NN #401, an EMD SD-7, in September 1952.

Stored for much of the 1950’s, #81 was placed on display at the White Pine Public Museum in 1960. The locomotive sat next to Aultman St. with #93 until 1990 when it was brought back to the Museum.

Restoration was completed on September 18, 2021 when #81 was turned over to the operating department after a 60-plus year absence.